State of the media report Q1-2021 Ms. Mapoma said in a statement yesterday that IBA issued the directive following consultations with the Bank of Zambia. “it is important to note that the disclosure of such detailed personal information on air may provide a ripe environment for fraudsters to perpetuate fraud through impersonation and may rode the gains the country has made in migrating people to a digital financial services.” Ms. Mapoma said. Ms. Mapoma said IBA expected broadcasting stations to obtain such details from their listeners or viewers off the air to avoid public disclosures. Communique-29th January (News Diggers) THE Media Liaison Committee (MLC) says it is shocked by attempts from the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) to abuse their authority by intimidating News Diggers! from investigating corruption. In a statement, MLC chairperson Ngoma stated that government wings like NAPSA should not collude with Honeybee Pharmacy Limited to stop media institutions from reporting corruption. “The MLC is shocked by attempts from management at NAPSA to abuse their authority and privileged positions by intimidating the media from investigating corruption and wrongdoings at their offices and those of Honey Bee Pharmacy…” Communique-28th January (Lusaka Times) The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has applauded the move by government to protect the media personnel through the proposed improved conditions of service. MISA Chairperson, Hellen Mwale said the proposal by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to implement the introduction of minimum wage for journalists in the country, is step is in the right direction as many scribes have poor conditions of service. Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Ms Mwale said MISA Zambia is elated that the profession has been recognized as one of the key occupations that need to be protected and motivated. Ms. Mwale explained that the move taken by the ministry will ensure and improve staff retention as journalists will not leave the profession for more lucrative positions in the corporate world such as Public Relations. She added that this will guarantee the media to retain a high number of seasoned journalists who in turn promote media excellence through their experience. Ms. Mwale noted that the media is a major stakeholder in the country but their remuneration has been poor over the years. “As a fourth estate, the work that is carried out by the media cannot be overemphasized and this move will only motivate them to work harder,” she added. Ms. Mwale also called on media houses in the country to enhance the fight against COVID-19 and continue to protect their journalists. She further urged sources of news to use electronic means to disseminate information to the press to avoid physical contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. MISA Zambia State of the Media report in 2020 highlighted the poor conditions of service for journalists as one of the key issues that affect journalists as they carry out their work and maintain professionalism Alert-5th February (The Mast) FREELANCE journalist Cheelo Katambo has sued Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusamabo in the Lusaka High Court for defamation for alleging that he has been propelling propaganda. 36